The streets belong to all of us

To the editor:

Recently I have been noticing a trend throughout the city. Private cars and drivers that think they can park anywhere they want and drive any which way they’d like with few if any consequences for public access or safety.

They are unfazed when their vehicles block our shared crosswalks or crowded bus stops. They cut across pedestrians with ease while they are turning.

From experience, there appears to be no talking or reasoning with them since most feel entitled or even immune from any consequences of their driving or parking behavior.

It’s their right, and as American as apple pie or summer barbecue.

As a former car owner and now car-free pedestrian for more than five years, I know the temptation to feel both invincible and terrified by this so-called right. But I also know driving is a privilege that comes with responsibility for fellow drivers bicyclists and pedestrians.

We must let our elected officials and peace officers know that we all must share in rights and responsibilities to keep our collective streets safe. There must be enforcement and pushback to dissuade the entitled car owners and drivers that the roads and highway are solely theirs.

These streets belong to us all!

David Knapp